Feedback on new AC/Heater boxes

[roadwarrior]

Hi All,
Getting back to work on my Mustang projects, one of the three I need to tackle is getting a new HVAC box installed in my 71 Fastback.

The box in the car is very weathered, and the movable doors inside were rusted in place, gentle persuasion broke the fiberglass at the pivots. So need a replacement.

I noted the ACP FM-EH028 heater/ac box is available. Also goes by OER 18A542E. I imagine it comes out of the same factory.

Does anyone who has purchased and installed one of these have a review?

Thank you for any input, I appreciate it.

Best regards,
Tom

 

[Bentworker]

I have the ACP box. Much better (tougher material) than OEM.

 

[70cobrascj]

I have the ACP box. Much better (tougher material) than OEM.

How did the internal parts fit?
I thought I had read that the condenser or evaporator or whatever is in the box didn’t fit too good. I could use a new box also and would like to know how the install went.
Thanks for any info you could provide

 

[Bentworker]

I put it together about 3 or 4 years ago with a new heater core and a factory evap. I don’t recall there being any problems. Just took some patience and putty. One thing I do recall was that I had every metal bit of my old heater box powdercoated. While I had to use most of the bits one of the flap door “frames” for lack of a better term was included in the repop box.

 

[Bobby]

If you want to go back OEM style, classic auto air sells the complete clamshell assembly with all the vacuum motors, switches evaporator and heater cores and damper arms.....basically all the internals and externals. I got one for my 72 and it worked out great. However, the blower motor is not available. Used ones are on eBay from time to time but are rare. If you still have your original motor......DONT GET RID OF IT! The motors that are advertised as being for A/C are in reality heater only motors. They dont have the RPMs to push air thru the 3 vents. You can also buy a new modern setup from classic auto air with electrically operated dampers etc. No messin with vacuum hoses and motors. Those are expensive but you're guaranteed to get the correct motor for good air flow.

 

[roadwarrior]

Hello Bobby, I checked the Classic Air site, there was a link their Original Air site, which will restore one, but doesn't sell outright. Mine is too horked up to use for a rebuild/restore.

I'm giving it a go to buy the ACP box, should be shipping soon. Once I receive it I'll try to give a rundown on what I find.

Thank you all for your input,
Tom

 

[70cobrascj]

I think what he was saying you can get the ACP box from them and they will build it complete for you.

 

[roadwarrior]

I understand now, didn't note that on their site.

 

[70cobrascj]

I understand now, didn't note that on their site.

You would probably have to call them on that

 

[Bobby]

Hello Bobby, I checked the Classic Air site, there was a link their Original Air site, which will restore one, but doesn't sell outright. Mine is too horked up to use for a rebuild/restore.

I'm giving it a go to buy the ACP box, should be shipping soon. Once I receive it I'll try to give a rundown on what I find.

Thank you all for your input,
Tom

That’s strange. I bought mine complete from them in 2019. I’ll do more checking.

 

[Bobby]

You would probably have to call them on that

I could not find it either on Classic Auto Air website but I found just the box on other sites. This site is the cheapest. You'll have to transfer all your items from the old one to the new.

CA 1971-1973 Ford Mustang Heater Box Assembly - W/Air Conditioning (topflightautomotive.com)

 

[JJU9507]

I got one, works fits great. One issue, the bottom little flap door rod is little loose on the door, preventing from fully activating plunger on control valve that cuts vacuum to heater valve. Check this before install.